Overmolded Access Port Including Anchoring and Identification Features

ABSTRACT

An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the port includes an internal body defining a fluid cavity that is accessible via a septum. A compliant outer cover including silicone is disposed about at least a portion of the body. A flange is included with the port body and is covered by the outer cover. The flange radially extends about a perimeter of the port body proximate the septum so as to impede penetration of a needle substantially into the outer cover in instances where the needle misses the septum. The flange can further include both an anchoring feature for securing the outer cover to the port body and an identification feature observable via x-ray imaging technology for conveying information indicative of at least one attribute of the access port. The outer cover provides a suitable surface for application of an antimicrobial/antithrombotic coating.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/211,076, filed Dec. 5, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,912,935, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/660,513, filed Jul.26, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,155,101, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/750,174, filed Jun. 25, 2015, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,717,895, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/917,323, filed Nov. 1, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,079,004,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/262,126, filed Nov. 17, 2009, and titled “Implantable OvermoldedAccess Port Including Anchoring Identification Feature,” each of whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly summarized, embodiments of the present invention are directed toan access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient. Inparticular, in one implementation the access port is implanted in thepatient's body, then is fluidly connected to a catheter that has beenintroduced into the patient's vasculature. So positioned and configured,the access port can be transcutaneously accessed by a needle or otherinfusion/aspiration device so as to administer medicaments to thepatient's vasculature via the port and catheter, or to aspirate blood orother fluids therefrom.

In one embodiment, the port includes an internal body defining a fluidcavity that is accessible via a septum. A compliant outer coverincluding silicone is disposed about at least a portion of the body. Aflange is included with the port body and is covered by the outer cover.The flange radially extends about a perimeter of the port body proximatethe septum so as to impede penetration of a needle a substantialdistance into the outer cover, such as in instances where the needlemisses the septum while attempting to access the port.

In one embodiment, the flange of the access port can further includeboth an anchoring feature for securing the outer cover to the port bodyand an identification feature observable via x-ray imaging technologyfor conveying information indicative of at least one attribute of theaccess port. The outer cover also provides a suitable surface forapplication of an antimicrobial/antithrombotic coating.

These and other features of embodiments of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments of theinvention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the present disclosure will be renderedby reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in theappended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict onlytypical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope. Example embodiments of the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1D are various views of an implantable overmolded access portaccording to one embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2D are various views of the access port of FIGS. 1A-1D with theovermolding removed;

FIGS. 3A-3E are various views of an implantable overmolded access portaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 3F is a bottom view of an access port body according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a port flange for use with the access port ofFIGS. 3A-3E;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a port flange according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 6A-6C are various views of a port flange and related componentsaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an implantable overmolded access portaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an implantable overmolded access portaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an implantable access port includingan identification feature according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a body portion of an implantable accessport including anchoring features according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a body portion of an implantable accessport including anchoring features according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a body portion of an implantable accessport including anchoring features according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 13A-13B are various views of an implantable access port includinga complaint body portion according to one embodiment; and

FIGS. 14A-14B are various views of an implantable access port bodyincluding anchoring features according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to figures wherein like structures will beprovided with like reference designations. It is understood that thedrawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, and are neither limiting nornecessarily drawn to scale.

For clarity it is to be understood that the word “proximal” refers to adirection relatively closer to a clinician using the device to bedescribed herein, while the word “distal” refers to a directionrelatively further from the clinician. For example, the end of acatheter placed within the body of a patient is considered a distal endof the catheter, while the catheter end remaining outside the body is aproximal end of the catheter. Also, the words “including,” “has,” and“having,” as used herein, including the claims, shall have the samemeaning as the word “comprising.”

FIGS. 1A-14B depict various features of embodiments of the presentinvention, which are generally directed to an access port for providingsubcutaneous access to the body of a patient. In particular, in oneimplementation the access port is implanted in the patient's body, thenis fluidly connected to a catheter that has been introduced into thepatient's vasculature. So positioned and configured, the access port canbe transcutaneously accessed by a needle or other infusion/aspirationdevice so as to administer medicaments to the patient's vasculature viathe port and catheter, or to aspirate blood or other fluids therefrom.

Further, in embodiments to be described herein, the access port includesa compliant outer cover that increases patient comfort upon implantationand provides for enhanced options for suturing or otherwise securing theport within the patient's body. In addition, the compliant outer coverin one embodiment includes a biocompatible material such as siliconethat provides a suitable surface on which an antimicrobial and/orantithrombotic coating can be applied in order to reduce patient risk orinfection as a result of implantation of the access port. Additionalfeatures of the access port include, in one embodiment, identificationfeatures for identifying an attribute of the port via x-ray imaging, andanchoring features for securing the outer cover to the internal portbody.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1A-2D, which show various views of animplantable access port (“port”), generally designated at 10, accordingto one embodiment. As shown, the port 10 includes an internal body 12that defines a bottom surface 14 and a fluid cavity 20 (FIG. 2A). Anouter cover 16, to be discussed further below, is disposed about thebody 12 to substantially cover it, with the exception of an opening 22to the fluid cavity 20 and a penetrable septum 24 that is placed in theopening to cover the fluid cavity.

In greater detail, the septum 24 in the illustrated embodiment is heldin place within the opening 22 of the fluid cavity 20 by a retainingring 26 that is inserted into the opening 22 to engage the port body 12in an interference fit. The outer cover 16 covers the surface of thebody 12 of the port 10 up to a circular region about the retaining ring26, as best seen in FIG. 1C. The outer cover can include otherconfigurations in addition to what is explicitly shown in theaccompanying figures.

In the present embodiment, the body 12 of the port 10 includes titaniumor other suitable metallic material. In other embodiments to bedescribed herein, the port body includes non-metallic materials.Additional details of the port 10 include a plurality of palpationfeatures 28 included on a top surface of the septum 28 to assist inidentification of the port after subcutaneous placement, and a fluidoutlet 30 in fluid communication with the fluid cavity 20. A stem 32defining a conduit is fixedly received within the fluid outlet 30 so asto provide a fluid pathway between the fluid cavity 20 and a catheterattached to the stem.

As mentioned, the outer cover 16 includes a compliant material andcovers the port body 12. In one embodiment, the outer cover 16 includessilicone of 30 Shore A durometer, a biocompatible material, though it isappreciated that other suitable biocompatible and compliant materialscan also be employed, including thermoplastic elastomers. Due to itscompliant nature, the outer cover 16 provides increased comfort for thepatient's body when implanted therein. Additionally, the outer cover 16is pierceable by a needle to enable sutures to be secured through anynumber of locations in the outer cover to facilitate ease of securingthe port within the patient's body.

Furthermore, the compliant outer cover 16 in one embodiment provides asuitable surface for the application of one or more coatings for thepart 10. This is true in cases, for instance, where the port body 12includes titanium or other metal, or an acetyl resin sold under the nameDELRIN™, materials where coatings have been traditionally relativelydifficult to adhere to.

In one example embodiment, an antimicrobial and/or antithromboticcoating(s) can be applied to the surface of the outer cover 16 in orderto prevent the growth of microbes and/or formation of thrombus on oraround the port 10. Non-limiting examples of coatings that may beapplied to the outer cover 16 of the port 10 can be found in thefollowing: U.S. Pat. No. 8,900,624, filed Aug. 1, 2005, and titled“Antimicrobial Silver Compositions;” U.S. Pat. No. 8,361,553, filed Feb.8, 2007, and titled “Methods and Compositions for Metal NanoparticleTreated Surfaces;” and U.S. Pat. No. 8,293,965, filed Apr. 25, 2007, andtitled “Antimicrobial Site Dressings.” Further coating examples can befound in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,738, titled “Method ofMaking Anti-Microbial Polymeric Surfaces;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,516,titled “Drug Delivery via Therapeutic Hydrogels;” and U.S. Pat. No.8,840,927, filed Feb. 26, 2002, and titled “Method of MakingAnti-Microbial Polymeric Surfaces.” Each of the afore-mentioned patentsand applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Other coatings can also be employed as may be appreciated by one skilledin the art.

In one embodiment, an antimicrobial coating applied to the outer coverincludes silver and further includes a component to prevent apparentdiscoloration of the outer cover, such as a dye component commonly knownas Brilliant Green, CAS number 633-03-4. In yet another embodiment, anantimicrobial, antithrombotic, or other suitable material can be addedto the outer cover materials and configured to elute therefrom at adesired rate in order to provide desired properties to the surface ofthe outer cover. The outer cover in one embodiment can be colored tofall within a specific color range on the PANTONE® Matching System(Pantone Inc., Carlstadt, N.J.), such as Pantone 3272M and proximatecolors, for instance.

Note that the body 12 and the retaining ring 26 of the port 10 shown inthe present embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2D include titanium. In someembodiments described below, other materials are employed for the portbody. It should be remembered that, in addition to what is disclosedherein, other suitable materials can be employed for the variouscomponents of the port without departing from the spirit of theembodiments described herein.

In accordance with one embodiment, the port 10 further includes a flange40 that extends radially about a perimeter of the body 12 of the port.As best seen in FIG. 1B, the flange 40 is positioned circumferentiallyabout and proximate to the septum 24 and opening 22 of the fluid cavity20. So configured, the flange 40 functions as a needle guard forpreventing penetration by a needle or other infusion/aspiration deviceinto a portion of the outer cover 16 relatively close to the septum 24of the port 10. This in turn prevents a user of the needle frompenetrating the compliant outer cover 16 and thus believing the needlehas accessed the septum 24, which in one embodiment also includes acomplaint material such as silicone. In such a case, needle penetrationinto the outer cover by the user will be impeded by the flange 40, whichwill indicate to the user the need to re-insert the needle to access theseptum 24, thus preventing further problems. It is appreciated that inthe present embodiment the flange is formed integrally with the portbody and thus includes titanium. In other embodiments, however, theflange can be separately manufactured, can include other suitablematerials, can extend from other areas of the port body other thanproximate the septum, and can include different shapes andconfigurations.

In one embodiment, the flange 40 also serves to enable identification ofthe port as including a particular characteristic or attribute. Forinstance, the flange 40 can include one or more identification featuresthat are observable via x-ray or other similar imaging technology so asto enable identification of a corresponding attribute of the port afterimplantation thereof into the body of the patient. One example of anattribute that can be indicated by the identification feature is theability of the port to participate in the infusion of fluidstherethrough at a relatively high flow rate, commonly referred to aspower injection. Such power injectability is useful, for instance, wheninjecting contrast media through the port 10 in connection with computedtomography (“CT”) imaging procedures on the patient's body. Powerinjection flow through the port in one example is performed at a rate ofabout zero to five milliliters per second, though this can varyaccording to a number of factors.

In accordance with the above, the port flange 40 in one embodimentincludes one or more identification features 50, best seen in FIGS. 1C,1D, and 2D. In particular, the identification features 50 of the presentembodiment include alphanumeric indicia 52 that are defined in the bodyof the flange 40. In greater detail, the flange 40 in the presentembodiment includes a set of three alphanumeric indicia 52, wherein eachindicium includes the letters “CT” defined through the thickness of theflange so as to provide a radiographic contrast between the CT holes andthe surrounding body of the flange when the port is imaged via x-ray.The orientation of the “CT” letters is such that observation thereof inan x-ray will indicate whether the port is properly positioned andoriented within the body of the patient.

It is contemplated that the identification features 50 described abovecan be one or more alphanumeric characters, such as the “CT” depicted inFIGS. 1A-2D. Additionally, the instant disclosure contemplates the useon the flange of other markings, such as one or more symbols, patterns,characters, designs, a combination thereof, etc. The identificationfeature(s) can be of any size, shape, or both in order to tailor theidentification feature for the specific identification of one or more ofa variety of attributes of the access port. Specifically, in oneembodiment the identification feature(s) can convey information to apractitioner regarding the power-injectability of the implanted port, ashas been discussed. Other examples of attributes the identificationfeature can convey include port type, catheter type, date ofmanufacture, lot number, part number, etc. In other embodiments, theidentification feature can be defined in other ways.

In one embodiment, the flange 40 serves yet another function as ananchoring feature in securing engagement between the port body 12 andthe outer cover 16. As mentioned above, the alphanumeric indicia (“CT”)52 in the present embodiment are defined as holes through the thicknessof the flange 40, which flange is included with the internal body 12 ofthe port 10. During manufacture of the port 10, the outer cover 16 ofthe envelops the port body 12 via an overmolding process, whereinsilicone or another suitable, flowable material is injected into a moldcontaining the port body 12 such that the silicone envelops the majorityof the port body, including the flange 40. The silicone is then allowedto cure to form the outer cover 16. During the overmolding process, theflowable silicone flows through the holes of the CT indicia 52 andremains therein after curing is complete such that a bond in and throughthe CT holes is defined by the silicone, thus anchoring the outer cover16 as a single piece to the port body 12 and preventing separationtherebetween.

As will be seen further below, the anchoring features as described herecan be modified from what is shown in FIGS. 1A-2D. In one embodiment, anadhesive can be used to adhere the outer cover 16 to the port body 12,especially about the circular termination of the outer cover proximatethe port body opening 22. Adhering the outer cover in this area canserve to prevent seepage under the outer cover 16 of any coatings orlayers applied to the external surface of the outer cover. Examples ofsuitable adhesives are available from NuSil Technology LLC ofCarpinteria, Calif.

As best seen in FIG. 1D, in one embodiment, an insert 56 including thesame material as the outer cover 16 is affixed to the bottom surface 14of the internal port body 12 before overmolding of the outer coveroccurs. The purpose of the insert 56 is to help stabilize and secure theinternal port body 12 within the mold before the outer cover isovermolded on to the body. In one embodiment, both the outer cover 16and the insert 56 include silicone such that both integrate togetherduring the overmolding process. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3F,a disk 70 including a suitable radiopaque material, such as titanium,can replace the insert 56 on the bottom surface 14 of the internal portbody 12 and can include an identification feature 50 observable viainteraction with x-ray imaging apparatus such that a characteristic orattribute of the port can be identified after implantation. In theillustrated embodiment, the disk includes alphanumeric cutouts of theletters “CT.”

FIGS. 3A-3E depict various views of the port 10 according to anotherembodiment, wherein the internal body 12 of the port includes athermoplastic, such as an acetyl resin commonly sold under the nameDELRIN™. As best seen in FIG. 3B, the port body 12 includes a base 12Aand a cap 12B that are mated together via ultrasonic welding or othersuitable process to define the fluid cavity 20 and to capturetherebetween the septum 24. As such, no retaining ring is employed as inthe metallic port of the previous embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2D.

The port 10 of FIGS. 3A-3E includes the flange 40 as a separatelymanufactured component that is attached to the body 12 of the port 10.Specifically, and with additional reference to FIG. 4, the flange 40 ofthe present embodiment includes a central hole 40A to enable the flangeto receive the port body 12 therethrough and to sit atop a ledge definedon the cap 12B, as best seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C. A plurality of notches60 are defined about the perimeter of the central hole 40A of the flange40 and correspond with a plurality of extending tabs 62 included on thecap 12B on the ledge thereof. The notches 60 and corresponding tabs 62are keyed relative to one another so as to enable the flange 40 to seatin only the correct orientation atop the ledge, that is, to ensure thealphanumeric indicia are positioned in the correct orientation withrespect to the port.

In the present embodiment, after the flange 40 has been properlypositioned on the cap 12B during manufacture as shown in FIG. 3C, thenotches 60 thereof will be seated over the tabs 62 of the cap. The tabs62 can then be deformed by a melting, mechanical, or other suitabledeformation process so as to lock the flange 40 on the cap 12B andprevent its removal therefrom.

As mentioned, FIG. 4 shows further details of the flange 40, includingthe alphanumeric indicia 52 of each identification feature 50, thecentral hole 40A, and the notches 60. Note that in the presentembodiment, the flange includes titanium and the outer perimeter of theflange 40 generally defines a bulged triangle with a corresponding oneof the alphanumeric indicia 52, which indicia serve as bothidentification features and anchoring features for securing the outercover 16 to the port body 12, positioned at each of the vertices of thetriangle. The “CT” indicia 52 are formed in the flange 40 in oneembodiment by wire EDM cutting, though other acceptable methods can alsobe employed including stamping, molding, etc. It is appreciated that thesize, shape, and composition of the flange, together with theconfiguration of the identification features, can vary from what isshown and described herein. For instance, other suitable materials theflange may include can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,029,842, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 5-9 show details of additional embodiments relating to the flange40. FIG. 5 shows the flange 40 according to one embodiment, wherein theidentification features 50—here represented as the alphanumeric indicia52—are not defined through the entire thickness of the flange, but areonly defined partially therethrough so as to form recessed features. Inone embodiment, the indicia 52 are defined to a depth in the flange 40of about 0.015 inch, the flange including a total thickness of about0.020 inch, though other depths and flange thicknesses are possible.This enables the “CT” indicia 52 to be viewed visually (beforeimplantation) only when the port 10 is viewed from a top-looking-downperspective, such as the perspective shown in FIGS. 1C and 3D. Further,the CT indicia 52 formed in this manner provide sufficient radiographiccontrast to enable the indicia to be imaged via x-ray imaging after portimplantation, thus serving the desired role as identification featuresfor the port 10. The indicia 52 can be formed by wire EDM machining,laser etching, etc. In addition, a plurality of through holes 76 isdefined through the thickness of the flange 40 to serve as anchoringfeatures for the flange. The flange 40 is positioned similarly to thatshown in FIGS. 1A-3E.

Note that in the above embodiment and in selected embodiments to follow,the identification features for identifying an attribute of the port areconfigured such that they are visually viewable (e.g., beforeimplantation) from only predetermined perspectives, such as atop-looking-down perspective shown in FIG. 5 for instance. Such limitedperspective visual viewing of the identification feature is useful inone embodiment to indicate to a clinician the top of the port; that is,when the port is placed top-side-up, the identification feature can bevisually identified, indicating a proper orientation for inserting theport into the body of the patient. When the port is upside-down,however, the identification feature is not visually observable, thusindicating to the clinician that the port is upside-down. This featurecan thus serve to eliminate confusion for the clinician as to the properorientation of the port. In addition, it is appreciated that in oneembodiment, all or a portion of the outer cover of the port can be madeopaque so as to eliminate the possibility for a clinician to mistake theCT indicia cutouts of the flange for suture holes through which suturesare to pass.

FIGS. 6A-6C show the flange 40 according to another embodiment, whereinthe “CT” alphanumeric indicia 52, each serving as the identificationfeature 50, are defined as cutouts through the thickness of the flange,as in previous embodiments. A compliant, opaque triangular plug 80defining the letters “CT” in raised relief to correspond with the “CT”of each of the indicia 52 is inserted into the “CT” cutout of each ofthe indicia so as to be retained thereby. So positioned, the plugenables the “CT” indicia 52 to be viewed visually (before implantation)only when the port 10 is viewed from a top-looking-down perspective,such as the perspective shown in FIGS. 1C and 3D. When visually viewedfrom the port bottom, the plug prevents the respective indicia 52 frombeing observed. Instead, the shape of the plug bottom, a triangle in thepresent embodiment, is seen. Note that the shape of the plug can vary,as can the raised relief on a top surface thereof in order to correspondwith the cutout design of the indicia into which the plug is to beinserted.

FIG. 7 shows the port 10 according to one embodiment, wherein the outercover 16 of the port includes a frosted surface 84 or otherwise obscuredsurface so as to render the outer cover opaque. The frosted surface 16of the port 10 in one embodiment is achieved during the overmoldingphase, wherein the surfaces of the mold used to overmold the outer cover16 to the internal port body 12 include a roughened surface, achievedfor instance via bead blasting of the mold surface. When the outer cover16 is overmolded in such a mold, the frosted surface 84 of FIG. 7results. It is appreciated that other suitable methods for providing afrosted or opaque surface to the outer cover 16 can also be employed. Inyet another embodiment, only a bottom surface of the outer cover isfrosted.

In another embodiment, a fabric or mesh structure can beincorporated/imbedded into the outer cover of the port so as to renderit opaque. In yet another embodiment, instead of bead blasting, the moldsurface can be treated to define thereon diamond-shaped mesh surfacefeatures that will impart to the port outer cover when molded therein aroughened, opaque surface. In yet another embodiment, logos or otherfeatures can be inscribed into the port outer cover, or included assurface features in the mold surface in which the outer cover isovermolded to the port body so as to render the outer cover at leastpartially opaque. These and other treatments for outer cover opacity aretherefore contemplated.

FIG. 8 shows the port 10 according to one embodiment, wherein a colorantor other suitable opaque additive is included with the material that isused to form the outer cover 16, e.g., silicone, so as to render theouter cover opaque. In one embodiment, a colorant such as Kreative ColorPurple, K-6050-13, provided by Kreative Liquid Color of Ontario, Calif.,is intermixed with the silicone before the overmolding process,resulting in an opaque outer cover 16 for the port 10 after overmoldingis complete. Of course, other materials and methods can be employed torender the outer cover opaque. Desired characteristics of the colorantor opaque additive in one embodiment include radiotranslucence,biocompatibility, and compatibility with the material from which theouter cover is made.

FIG. 9 shows the port 10 according to another embodiment, wherein inaddition to the flange 40, a secondary plate 90 is positioned below theflange as shown in FIG. 9. Like the flange 40, the plate 90 is coveredby the outer cover 16 and in one embodiment includes through holes toserve as an anchoring feature for securing the engagement between theouter cover 16 and the internal body 12 of the port 10. Also like theflange 40, the plate 90 can include titanium, bismuth trioxide or othersuitable material, or can differ in composition from the flange 40.Positioning of the plate 90 as shown in FIG. 9 limits visual observationof the indicia serving as identification features of the flange 40 to atop-looking-down point of view, as in FIGS. 1C and 3D.

FIGS. 10-12 depict various embodiments disclosing additional examples ofanchoring features for the internal body 12 of the port 10. Theanchoring features to be described operate similar to the “CT” indiciacutouts and other anchoring features of the flange 40 described in theabove embodiments in securing the overmolded outer cover to the internalport body.

In FIG. 10, anchoring features 130 are included on a flange 140 of theport body 12. The flange 140 is positioned circumferentially about andproximate to the septum 24 included on the port body 12. In particular,the anchoring features are implemented as a plurality of through holes142 defined through the flange 140. In addition, one or more extensions146 extend from the port body 12 below the flange 140 a sufficientdistance to define additional through holes 148. As has been describedrelating to this and other embodiments herein including anchoringfeatures, the silicone or other suitable material used to form the outercover flows about the internal body 12 of the port during theovermolding process, passing through the anchoring features 130 todesirably enhance the adhesion of the outer cover to the port body.

FIG. 11 shows another example of an anchoring feature 130 for the portbody 12, wherein an annular groove 150 is defined proximate the bottom14 of the port body 12. A plurality of through holes 152 is defined inthe groove so as to extend from the groove to the port body bottomsurface 14 to enable flow therethrough of the outer cover materialduring the overmolding process.

FIG. 12 depicts yet another example of anchoring features 130, wherein aplurality of teeth 160 extends from surfaces of the port body 12. Inparticular, opposing pairs of teeth 160 are shown extending toward oneanother in FIG. 12, providing a gap not only between opposing teeth, butbetween the teeth and the adjacent side surface of the port body 12 soas to provide a suitable space through which the outer cover materialcan flow before solidifying after overmolding to anchor the outer coverto the port body. The size, shape, number, and position of the teeth canvary in a number of ways. More generally, it is appreciated that thepreceding embodiments are merely examples of anchoring features and thatother types and configurations of anchoring features can reside withinthe principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict a port 210 according to one embodiment, whereina body 212 of the port includes a first body portion 212A defining anose of the body and a second body portion 212B defining the remainingportion of the body. In the present embodiment, the first body portion212A includes a relatively rigid biocompatible material, such as acetylresin or other thermoplastic, while the second body portion 212Bincludes a compliant overmolded material, such as silicone or othersuitable biocompatible material. So configured, the port body nosedefined by the first body portion 212A is relatively rigid to assist inplacement of the port into a pocket defined in the tissue of thepatient, while the remainder portion of the port body 212 defined by thesecond body portion 212B is compliant to increase patient comfort and toincrease suturability of the port 210. Overmolding of the second bodyportion can be achieved in a manner similar to previous embodiments.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict yet another example of anchoring features 130,wherein a plurality of dovetail extensions 220 extends from the circularside surface of the port body cap 12B about the circumference thereof.The dovetail extensions 220 provide ample surface area and entrapmentareas between adjacent dovetails through which the outer cover materialcan flow before solidifying after overmolding to anchor the outer coverto the port body. The size, shape, number, position, and spacing of thedovetails teeth can vary in a number of ways. For instance, in additionto their inclusion on the port cap, the dovetail extensions could beincluded on the port base. Also, though shown extending about theentirety of the port cap circumference, in one embodiment the dovetailextensions could be defined only partially thereabout. These and othervariations are contemplated.

Embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the embodiments is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical method, comprising: obtaining an accessport, comprising: a body defining a fluid cavity accessible via aseptum; a continuous annular flange circumscribing the septum at a topsection of the body proximal of the fluid cavity, the flange including aplurality of openings; and a compliant outer cover disposed about thebody and through the openings in the flange; implanting the access portin a patient; and connecting a catheter to the access port such that alumen of the catheter is in fluid communication with the fluid cavity ofthe access port;
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flangeis formed from a radiopaque material, wherein the plurality of openingscomprise one or more identification features that convey to a user thatthe access port is capable of power injection, and wherein identifyingthe access port as capable of power injection comprises: detecting theone or more identification features on an x-ray image after implantingthe access port in the patient, and in response to the detecting,injecting contrast media into the access port.
 3. The method accordingto claim 2, wherein injecting contrast media into the access portcomprises inserting a needle transcutaneously through the septum andinto the fluid cavity.
 4. The method according to claim 2, whereininjecting contrast media into the access port comprises injecting at arate of up to five milliliters per second.
 5. The method according toclaim 2, wherein the one or more identification features are formed intoalphanumeric or symbolic characters.
 6. The method according to claim 2,further comprising detecting the one or more identification featuresvisually prior to implanting the access port in the patient.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising aspirating blood throughthe access port.
 8. The method according to claim 7, further comprisinginfusing medicaments through the access port.
 9. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the continuous annular flange of the access port isintegrally formed with the body of the access port.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the continuous annular flange and the bodyof the access port are formed from a titanium material.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein implanting the access port in the patientcomprises threading one or more sutures through at least some of theplurality of openings to subcutaneously secure the access port to thepatient.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the body of theaccess port is formed from a first material and the continuous annularflange is formed from a second material different from the firstmaterial, and wherein the continuous annular flange is separate from thebody and attached to the body.
 13. The method according to claim 12,wherein the continuous annular flange includes a plurality of keyednotches that each fit over correspondingly keyed tabs on the body, andwherein the tabs are capable of being deformed after the notches areplaced over the tabs such that the continuous annular flange is retainedby the body.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the accessport body includes acetyl resin, and wherein the continuous annularflange includes titanium.
 15. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe continuous annular flange generally defines a triangular shapeincluding three vertices, and wherein the plurality of openings areformed into alphanumeric indicia at each vertex of the three vertices ofthe continuous annular flange.
 16. The method according to claim 1,wherein the compliant outer cover includes at least one of anantimicrobial component and an antithrombotic component.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the compliant outer cover includessilicone, and wherein at least a portion of a surface of the compliantouter cover is frosted so as to render the portion of the surfacesubstantially opaque.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein thesilicone of the compliant outer cover includes a colorant.